Letter carriers from the Rincon post office unload donations for the “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign. They collected more than 7,000 pounds of food for the Manna House.

Rincon residents participated in the National Letter Carriers Postal Food Drive on May 10, as they were encouraged to fill a bag with non-perishable food items and place it at their mailbox. These items were collected and donated to a local food pantry to help “stamp out” hunger.

This has been a nationwide effort for the past 21 years, with more than 74 million pounds collected last year from over 10,000 cities that participated.

The Rincon mail carriers collected heavy sacks of groceries, in addition to their regular mail route. Some drivers had to request additional pickups on their route because the amount was overwhelming. In the Rincon area, more than 7,000 pounds were collected.

Manna House has been partnering with this food drive for many years and was amazed at the results this year, according to executive director Lisa Bush. This donation comes at a great time to help through the summer months. During this time, demands of food are increased because children are home and require more meals.

Manna House is now assisting more than 425 households each month, with more than 150 pounds of food each visit. Manna House is truly grateful for donations like this that assist to meet the needs of those in the community that may be hungry, hurting, homeless, or without hope.

Manna House Ministries assist people with food, clothing, household items, and free school uniforms. Manna House is located at 1210 Patriot Dr. (across from the YMCA) in Rincon. Food pantry and public thrift store hours are Monday noon-3 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m.-3 pm.

To host a food drive or to make a donation, call Bush at 665-1985 or 826-2037.